Course Overview
The 30 Hour Special Rigger course is a mandatory safety training program for individuals seeking a Special Rigger’s license from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). This course is required for anyone responsible for the use, setup, or oversight of suspended scaffolding and rigging operations on construction sites.
The training focuses on regulatory compliance, safe rigging practices, hazard recognition, and practical skills to ensure both worker safety and public protection during rigging operations.
Course Topics
Participants will gain knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:
Introduction to special rigging and industry standards
Common causes of rigging and hoisting accidents
Fall protection and safety procedures
OSHA Subpart CC regulations for cranes and derricks
Overview of the NYC Building Code
Basic plan reading and interpretation of symbols
Rigging design criteria, calculations, and factors of safety
Inspection, maintenance, and repair of rigging hardware and ropes
Hoisting equipment, suspension methods, and proper setup
Safe lifting and lowering of loads
Operation of suspended working platforms
Handling hazardous, flammable, or caustic materials
Documentation, logs, and record-keeping requirements
Pre-Requisites
There are no pre-requisites for enrolling in the 30 Hour Special Rigger course.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Differentiate between OSHA standards and the NYC Building Code as they apply to rigging
Identify rigging equipment, associated hazards, and unsafe conditions
Recognize common causes of accidents during hoisting and rigging operations
Inspect rigging hardware and equipment, identifying unsatisfactory conditions
Apply safe working practices and develop emergency response procedures
Properly use rigging hardware, including wire ropes, synthetic slings, shackles, eye bolts, and hooks
Understand and communicate proper hand signals during lifting operations
Identify suspension methods and correctly set up suspended platforms
Calculate loads, including measurements, symbols, geometry, leverage, friction, center of gravity, and uniform/concentrated loading
Course Materials
All necessary materials, including manuals and practical instruction aids, will be provided during the course.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Participants who meet attendance and participation requirements are eligible for 3.0 CEUs.
Course Duration
The 30 Hour Special Rigger course consists of 30 instructional hours, not including scheduled breaks.
This training ensures that aspiring Special Riggers are fully prepared to perform rigging operations safely, comply with NYC regulations, and maintain a secure work environment for themselves and others on construction sites.
